News
U.N. climate change summit disappoints Catholic delegates
The summit, attended by delegates from 195 nations, failed to foster a "global consensus" or resolve a "disconnection" between U.N.-backed initiatives and national policies, said a representative of a Brussels-based alliance of 17 Catholic aid groups in attendance. The summit failed to achieve steps to limit rising temperatures to an average of two degrees Celsius by the end of the century.
Catholic college says HHS mandate makes it ‘second-class’ religious entity
BELMONT, N.C. (CNS) -- Belmont Abbey College filed a new lawsuit Nov. 20 in its long-running fight against a federal law requiring most employers to provide free contraceptives in their health insurance plans.
Faith forms bedrock of who they are, say Catholic youths at conference
Some 23,000 Catholic teenagers from across the country met in Indianapolis for the National Catholic Youth Conference Nov. 21-23 for three days of Mass, workshops, service opportunities, musical performances, eucharistic adoration and fun at a theme park inside the Indiana Convention Center.
Pope Francis, Russia’s Putin, discuss war in Syria
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Peace in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing war in Syria, topped the agenda Nov. 25 as the pope welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Vatican.
Abington parish marks half-century of church built in Mary’s name
The 1,100 members of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the formal dedication of their church on Dec. 8. Archbishop Charles Chaput will mark the joyful event by celebrating the anniversary Mass. The parish was the first to founded under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary during the 1953-1954 Marian Year.
Young people weary of ‘culture of death,’ says founder of Live Action
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (CNS) -- Lila Rose, founder of the pro-life group Live Action, said the organization's mission is to protect those who can't protect themselves, but it's also to expose "a truth." The work of Live Action involves investigative journalism, and its videos have shed light on illegal and unethical practices in the abortion industry.
Dallas marks JFK assassination anniversary with prayers and solemnity
DALLAS (CNS) -- Under cloudy skies and blustery winds, thousands of people gathered Nov. 22 at the spot where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated 50 years ago to the day, a tribute to his legacy and a ceremony many local officials also hoped would finally wipe the stain away from Dallas' darkest day.
San Francisco archbishop criticizes Illinois legalizing same-sex marriage
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone said the action by the Illinois Legislature and Gov. Pat Quinn to legalize same-sex marriage "does not alter the natural reality that marriage is and can only be the union of one man and one woman."
Retired pastor of Abington parish laid to rest
Father Joseph D. Bowen, 83, pastor emeritus of Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Abington, died Nov. 17. “As a man of charity, his works were often unheralded," said a longtime parishioner. "He was welcomed into our homes, and indeed into our hearts.”
SJ Prep takes city championship, District AAAA title, by a whisker
St. Joseph's Prep scored 10 first-half points then hunkered down with a stingy all-around defensive effort to hold off a late comeback by Frankford High, which it defeated 10-7 for the PIAA District 12 Class AAAA victory Nov. 16.